Let's inject fiscal sanity into stadium debate

Zygi Wilf and the Vikings are attempting to make their Ramsey County stadium deal sound like a run-of-the-mill, routine proposal. It is not. The Vikings are asking for the #1, all-time, biggest taxpayer subsidy of any sports franchise anywhere in American history!

At a time when many families are struggling to pay their bills, the Vikings and their political allies want Minnesotans to put up more taxpayer money than any other community ever - think about that - to subsidize a team owner.

I joined with Rep. Linda Runbeck to offer a bipartisan alternative: give the Metrodome to the Vikings in exchange for a 25 year contract to play in Minnesota. This proposal does not require any public funding. No Ramsey County sales tax, no Ramsey County automobile tax, and no state taxes or "fees" or "other revenues." Taxpayers would be fully compensated for the value of the Metrodome through property taxes, from which the Vikings are currently exempted.

In contrast, the Vikings' Arden Hills proposal requires $350 million from Ramsey County taxpayers, $300 million more from still-to-be-determined state taxes, plus $15 million from the Metro Sports Facilities Commission, and a sales tax break on construction materials (that's an additional $19 - $30 million public subsidy), plus a property tax exemption that is worth several million dollars year after year.

Giving the Metrodome to the Vikings is not a perfect solution, but one that reflects fiscal responsibility and fairness for both the Vikings and the taxpayers of Minnesota. We are by no means alone in wanting a fair resolution. Minnesota voters oppose the use of public money for a new Vikings' stadium by more than 3 to 1 (22% favor using public funds, 74% oppose). Yet the Ramsey County Board and some state officials are talking seriously of a taxpayer subsidy of over $650 million.

Of course the Vikings' initial reaction to our proposal has not been favorable - who wouldn't prefer a $700 million handout? Recognizing that 3 of every 4 Minnesotans reject any subsidy for the Vikings, state leaders should remove the Ramsey County proposal from the table. At that point, when the Vikings conduct an honest assessment of the Metrodome proposal, they will understand the fairness of our offer.

The Vikings first response to our proposal was to call it a "non-starter". But things do change. Last week, Christian Ponder was a "non-starter" as Vikings Quarterback. This week he is a starter. The Vikings need to take another look here.

The only reason any politicians are even considering a $ 650 million tax subsidy for the Vikings is the possibility that the Vikings could move to Los Angeles. But Vikings' owner Zygi Wilf has staked his personal integrity on that matter.

Making it clear that what is most important to him is his family's integrity, he promised to keep the team in Minnesota forever: "From day one. I have promised that I would keep the team here in Minnesota forever." When questioned if he plans to keep the team here, whether we have a new stadium or not: "Yes, I've stated that from day one.. all I can tell you is this, that I live by my commitment."

Because some, who claim to be his allies, think he will break his promise, let's compare this Metrodome transfer proposal to the Los Angeles options. The best of the Los Angeles stadium proposals is to give Zygi Wilf the land on which to build his own stadium, at his expense. We would give him the land with a stadium already on it, and he could improve, enhance, or rebuild it as he desires.

Los Angeles offers no public subsidy. We offer no public subsidy.

This Minnesota option is a reasonable, competitive alternative. And, under our proposal Wilf avoids a $250+ million NFL "relocation fee", and he gets to keep his integrity and a truly loyal fan base.

At a time when most Americans, including people from Occupy Wall St and the Tea Party, are angry at outrageous corporate bailouts, some politicians want to force Minnesotans to pay for the biggest corporate subsidy in sports history. That's incredible.

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John Marty

Comments

Minnesota cannot afford pro football and Los Angeles can, so get out of the way and stop flapping your gums. You are holding up people with actual cash who have stood in line for seventeen years. We're tired out here of hearing your whining. Get out of the way.

What a dumb idea. The Vikings already earn almost all of the football-related revenue at the Dome. How does giving it to them solve the problem of the team being 31/32 in revenue? Also, Zygi probably wouldn't move the team. He would sell to somebody who would.

There are good arguements to be made both pro and con for the stadium. But if you were sincere about your "idea" you would have spoken with the Vikings before parading in front of the cameras at a big press conference. Quit playing political games and start trying to solve problems.

Just pay for the damn stadium. The state can shove out all this money for a new stadium for a garbage college football program and a crap baseball team but can't for the biggest team in the state? Let's ignore the fact all the jobs it will create, all the extra revenue and expsoure the new building will bring from hosting Superbowls, etc.

After that slap in the face to the Vikings where they were offered the Metrodome, I hope they move to LA. Just so this state can be punished for being completley moronic. You think the times are bad now with the Vikings? hahaha, wait 'till they leave.

Pol Marty needs to get real with his proposal. This is not a proposal, it is theater. He seems to revive his media presence when the serious topic of sports franchises leaving rears it's head. We all get it, you don't like sports. Present a proposal that attempts to solve the problem instead of one that merits no serious consideration.

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